Get Better at Feeling-One Morsel at a Time

How do I find a good therapist? (That I can afford)

How do I find a good therapist? (That I can afford) While this task might feel overwhelming in big cities and nearly impossible in small towns, here are a few resources that you can check out in your search for a Counselor.

If you’re worried about costs there are a few things you can try:

School

If you are in school ask what resources your school provides, Public schools are required to provide testing for issues that interfere with academics. Some schools are more and some are less willing to help out, some school offer mentors, support groups and you could look into a 504 or IEP plan if your mental health issues are

interfering with school work or behavior. If you’re at a university check out their student services/counseling center-they often offer therapy services at a reduced rate, but they often have long waits.

University Counseling Services

Even if you’re not a student, you may be able to access discounted therapy services at a University where students who are studying to become therapists do therapy under supervision of a licensed therapist.

City or County Services

City and County services often have a mental health Services Providers who offer services to patients with Medicare, Disability or on a sliding fee scale which means that your fee depends on your income. The good thing is that they are often more affordable than private practice Therapists, but the downside is that many of their therapists often have large caseloads and therefore less time to prepare for sessions and dedicate to each client.

Private Practice Therapists

Therapists in Private practice- in my area therapists typically charge between $90- 150 and up for a 50 minute session. These therapists often specialize in a certain area of mental health and see fewer clients than their colleagues in County services, meaning that they hopefully have a little more time to devote to preparing for each case, study, billing, and training that all take time after work. Some of them take private pay and others bill certain insurances. When you call to set up an appointment make sure to ask about fees and insurance.

If you’re having a hard time finding a therapist who will take your insurance (a common problem) you can try contacting your insurance provider and asking them for a list of their in-network therapists in the area.

Ask your local clergy

In Utah, Bishops are a great source for referrals. They have often worked with a few therapists who they know and trust to send their flock to. They can also sometimes help out with the costs. Speak with your pastor, reverend or other leader and see how they can help you and your family out.

Another way to find a therapist is to simply google them or look up their profiles on a network like Psychology Today, APA, AAMFT, or NASW,

Ask for referrals from friends you feel comfortable with. You’ll be surprised how many people you know are in therapy.

Check out my other videos on how to choose a therapist and know if it’s working for you and how to access services for your child at a public school.